Are you a sucker for retro-style watches, but can’t give up the cool features of a modern timepiece design? If you’re still on the fence, then how about getting a watch that gives you the best of both worlds?
With the Bulova Accutron II Spaceview watch, you can proudly flaunt on your wrist a vintage-looking watch that never falls short of the modern features. Although it’s stripped down to the basics, this doesn’t make the timepiece anything else when it comes to the purpose it serves.
We’re here to share with you our unbiased thoughts on the Bulova Accutron watch, so you can decide if it’s something you see yourself wearing on your wrist or not.
Bulova Accutron Spaceview
First Impressions
Let’s start with the aesthetics, since most watch fans consider the looks before getting into the technical specs. At first look, this timepiece would strike you as something that came out of the 1940, with a Great Gatsby-ish flair to it. The black leather band is oozing with retro appeal and the stainless steel has a polished and brushed quality in it.
Moving on to the finer details, the crystal is slightly raised, so that adds to the good looks of this watch.
Have you ever had problems telling the time when you’re in the theatre or inside the car at night?
The Accutron Bulova has got you covered, thanks to the white luminous hands set against the skeleton gold dial. Oh, and did we mention the green index marker? It glows without a glitch when the lights are out.
The overall feel and impression you can get from this watch is quite like sipping on your favorite cup of coffee on a winter morning – satisfying and just right.
Sure, it’s not meant to wow the crowd and make them throw you a second glance, but you’ll feel great about having a solid timepiece around your wrist. It tells the time accurately and without fail, and it exudes a kind of timeless elegance that does not get old.
After all, that’s what “classic” means, right?
Movement
This Accutron Bulova watch uses the quartz movement, and we all know what that means – there’s virtually zero maintenance involved. This type of movement is very accurate, and it can only lose about 1 to 2 seconds, give or take. As we all know, the quartz crystal measures the time with precision, so the chances of this watch losing more than 10 seconds is very slim.
Bulova Accutron Battery
If the time-telling accuracy benefit of the quartz movement is not enough for you, here’s an added bonus to it – the battery life.
See, quartz watches rely on battery for power, and it shouldn’t take shorter than 3 years for the battery to run out of juice. So, for a regular and budget-friendly watch, this item is spot on when it comes to reliability, affordability, and functionality.
Case Design
The Accutron II Alpha case design is almost a spitting image of the Bulova Accutron Spaceview 214 from the ’60s. Both have the same scalloped lugs and alpha case that are reminiscent of watches people considered as trendy during the retro era.
However, the main difference with this watch is the pullout crown, which is integrated into the 3 o’clock portion of the case. There are also 4 screws that keep the caseback securely attached.
Made of stainless steel, the 42 mm case is finished with polished and brushed surfaces. Just a reminder, though. The finish of this watch does not make it immune from scratches and dings, so don’t expect too much from it.
Vintage Dials
Once again, we notice the resemblance of the Alpha 96A155 with the classic Bulova Accutron 214’s dial. They both have an exposed movement, except for the fact that this watch has the words “Bulova Accutron II” printed on the mineral glass box crystal. This gives you a clearer view of the dial’s technical specs.
Looking at the face of the watch, you’ll notice the copper electromagnetic coil securely nestled between the 10 and 12 o’clock marks. Then, there’s the tuning fork emblem in metal above the caliber number. The handsets are in a white luminous color, and there’s the sunray-finished golden flange that’s set behind the green chapter ring.
Okay, there seems to be a whole lot going on here, so it’s not your usual watch with just the hands and numerals visible at first glance.
Strap and Bracelet
The black strap of the Bulova Accutron 2 Alpha is made of genuine leather, and there’s a folding deployment clasp to tighten or loosen it. There’s a pin through the strap’s holes to keep the clasp secured.
While the clasp seems solid, we feel that it does not suffice in holding the clasp closed. Some users have complained the clasp digs into their wrist, which is a little uncomfortable.
The solution?
We recommend tossing the original deployment clasp and buying a double-fold clasp instead. It’s not that expensive, and you no longer have to deal with a clasp that digs into your wrist over time.
Rooms for Improvement
The face seems pretty busy with so many interesting features on it. Don’t get us wrong – we dig this style as it speaks of the typical design you can get from a legit vintage design timepiece.
However, if you’re a watch person who’s into Arabic numerals, then you won’t appreciate the circles that take the place of actual numbers. But then again, this is how Bulova usually style their watches, so you can either take it or leave it.
Another thing is the size of the case. It’s 42 mm in diameter, which should be perfect for men with bigger wrists but a bit off on a smaller wrist. When it comes to heft, though, it’s reasonable and will not make you feel as though you’re dragging a heavy piece of metal around with you.
The Verdict
For a watch under $400, the Bulova Accutron II Alpha Collection will not disappoint. It’s perfect as a casual or formal timepiece, and it tells time accurately.
If you’re slightly obsessed about bigger watches with a vintage feel, you can’t go wrong with this Accutron by Bulova. It’s a classic and worth it for the price, and we can leave it at that.